It wasn’t until the moment EOTO came on stage that I realized where I knew the name before. I had seen them up close and personal in Austin at Euphoria just a few months ago. I recognized the name and remembered the music, but until I saw their faces in Fort Collins, I couldn’t place where I had seen EOTO.
Yes I realize I could have done a quick google image search, but that would have ruined the surprise for me. Instead I happily drove 89 miles from my house between Denver and Boulder to the Mishawaka Amphitheater in Bellevue, CO. If that seems a tad far, it’s because it was. But the moment I arrived and parked, I knew I had found one of those venues that I would be talking about for years. Not only was it outdoors and right on the river, but the venue was so extremely intimate, everyone that attended could see the sweat drip from the artist’s faces as they played their souls out. There was no bad seat in the house. I swear. I walked around so I would know.
My favorite vantage point was on the ledge near the visuals guys (lasers= epic) because I was above the crowd and almost level with the stage 70 feet or so in front of me. There was no obstructions and the view of the light shows on the mountain to the side of the stage was phenomenal. I stood in almost the same place for 3 hours as I watched the opening acts perform. The anticipation built for EOTO and the only similarities between the two nights were the opening message. “We are EOTO and if you haven’t seen us before, we play a completely live show, everything is played and recorded in front of you and looped back so we can play some more new stuff on top.” The crowd truly influenced what and how they would play.
In Fort Collins the crowd was laid back and since the air was a tad chilly, they played electro house and a little dubstep, but really, there is no genre that defines EOTO. I will say that this set seemed mellower than the second night. There wasn’t a whole lot of heavy bass like I heard in Boulder, but the crowd was grooving without pause and cheering for each new direction that the duo took with their music.
I arrived in Boulder and excitedly found myself a place in the upper balcony of the Boulder Theatre. Having never been there, I decided to scope the crowd and the scene as the openers performed, hoping to get some good vantage pictures before heading into the fray below. Once again I heard “We are EOTO and if you haven’t seen us before, we play a completely live show, everything is played and recorded in front of you and looped back so we can play some more new stuff on top” and they began to play. This set however was much, much, heavier. I could feel the walls quiver as the bass resonated across them. If I didn’t hold my jaw tightly, I could feel my teeth come dangerously close to chattering. I loved it. This was a side I hadn’t really heard in Fort Collins and certainly not in Texas.
The balcony was comprised of people mostly relaxing and enjoying the show. The lasers didn’t start for a little while so sitting up there meant you were only missing the sweaty guy next to you dancing. I found myself eager to head to the floor where I could mingle with all those sweaty people and enjoy the laser show I knew was coming. From the floor of the Boulder Theatre I learned that the stairways were kept relatively clear and you could stand on them if need be. Up near the stage was a complete mess and there was no chance of me getting up there for close up pictures. Instead I choose to enjoy the lasers as they began lighting up the inside of the Theatre. From below, you could almost reach out and touch the beams as they raced around the room in an ever-evolving pattern and color combination. Just to get the full effect, I went back upstairs and found the show not nearly as fun seeing the lasers from above. To the sweaty floor I went, and stayed.
Overall I enjoyed both sets considerably. Because the nights were so different in terms of crowd, venue, and music, I doubt I could pick a favorite. I loved the outdoor atmosphere of Fort Collins, but the lasers indoors were something else. I would like to thank EOTO for having EDM Assassin there as they played two incredible nights of music for fans from all over the state. (They did play a third night in Aspen, but I was not able to attend). Until next time, if you have the chance, go see EOTO. Hands-down one of the funnest sets you will experience and the technical work… Wow. Unbelievable.
